External and Internal Representations in the Acquisition and Use of Knowledge: Visualization Effects on Mental Model Construction

Wolfgang Schnotz; Christian Kurschner

Instructional Science: An International Journal of the Learning Sciences Vol. 36, No. 3 (May 2008) pp. 175–190

This article investigates whether different formats of visualizing information result in different mental models constructed in learning from pictures, whether the different mental models lead to different patterns of performance in subsequently...

Tumbling: From Rally Cars to Toast

Mario Belloni; Wolfgang Christian

Physics Teacher Vol. 50, No. 7 (October 2012)

The article by Rod Cross describing the translational and rotational motion of the "Launch of a Vehicle from a Ramp" motivated us to create two computer models showing this type of dynamical behavior.

Modeling Physics with Easy Java Simulations

Wolfgang Christian; Francisco Esquembre

Physics Teacher Vol. 45, No. 8 (November 2007) pp. 475–480

Modeling has been shown to correct weaknesses of traditional instruction by engaging students in the design of physical models to describe, explain, and predict phenomena. Although the modeling method can be used without computers, the use of...

Graphs and Tracks Revisited

Wolfgang Christian; Mario Belloni

Physics Teacher Vol. 51, No. 4 (April 2013) pp. 240–241

We have recently developed a Graphs and Tracks model based on an earlier program by David Trowbridge, as shown in Fig. 1. Our model can show position, velocity, acceleration, and energy graphs and can be used for motion-to-graphs exercises. Users...

A Comparison of Computerized and Psychometric Feedback of the Results of the California Occcupational Preference System

Wolfgang Bringmann; James K. Christian

The practice of not sharing tests results with clients may soon be in conflict with the Ethical Standards for Psychologist (sic). Studies using self-validation of feedback information to study feedback parameters have shown that the form of feedback ...

Computer-supported Formation of Virtual Learning Groups based on Proficieny Levels

Hans Christian Liebig; Wolfgang Effelsberg

World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2004 (2004) pp. 1171–1178

Group work is an important component of traditional teaching at all levels of the educational system: It is motivating, the students become active and involved, they enjoy meeting with other students and doing work together. Based on the principle...

Topics: Communication, Tutoring, Students, Virtual Environments

Design and Evaluation of a Widget-Based Dashboard for Awareness Support in Research Networks

Wolfgang Reinhardt; Christian Mletzko; Hendrik Drachsler; Peter B. Sloep

Interactive Learning Environments Vol. 22, No. 5 (2014) pp. 594–613

In this article, we describe the rationale, design and evaluation of a widget-based dashboard to support scholars' awareness of their Research Networks. We introduce the concept of a Research Network and discuss Personal Research Environments...

Learn Anytime Anywhere Physics (LAAP): Guided Inquiry Web-Based Laboratory Learning

Jerry Meisner; Harol Hoffman; Mike Strickland; Wolfgang Christian; Aaron Titus

International Conference on Mathematics / Science Education and Technology 2000 (2000) pp. 292–296

The Extended Physics Community Consortium will author Learn Anytime Anywhere Physics (LAAP). LAAP will provide both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences for undergraduate students, high school physics students with various needs as...

Topics: Community, Physical Environments, Students, Virtual Environments

Teaching Thermodynamics with Physlets[R] in Introductory Physics

Anne J. Cox; Mario Belloni; Melissa Dancy; Wolfgang Christian

Physics Education Vol. 38, No. 5 (September 2003) pp. 433–440

This paper describes the use of interactive, Physlet[R]-based curricular material designed to help students learn concepts of thermodynamics with a particular focus on the use of kinetic theory models. These exercises help students visualize ideal...

Mobile Devices in Interactive Lectures

Nicolai Scheele; Christian Seitz; Wolfgang Effelsberg; Anja Wessels

World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2004 (2004) pp. 154–161

In this article we investigate and compare the usefulness of different mobile, wireless devices for use in interactive classroom sessions. Conventional lectures, especially in large lecture halls, face fundamental didactic problems: There is a lack...

Topics: Interaction, Computer Sciences

Teaching Physics (and Some Computation) Using Intentionally Incorrect Simulations

Anne J. Cox; William F. Junkin; Wolfgang Christian; Mario Belloni; Francisco Esquembre

Physics Teacher Vol. 49, No. 5 (May 2011) pp. 273–276

Computer simulations are widely used in physics instruction because they can aid student visualization of abstract concepts, they can provide multiple representations of concepts (graphical, trajectories, charts), they can approximate real-world...